The Doberman Pinscher is an elegant, noble and beautiful animal.  Unfortunately, when an animal becomes popular with people, the tendancy for some to try to profit leads to irresponsible breeding practices.  If a breeder does not carefully screen the sire and dam; if the dam is bred every time she comes into season; if the environment that the dogs and puppies are kept in are not conducive to socialization, than it is probable that unhealthy dogs  will result.  The ancient dictum of “Buyer Beware” is very appropiate when purchasing a Doberman, indeed, any breed of dog.  The responsible, committed breeder will take very good care of his/her “babies”.  They will not be in wire cages in a remote backyard, they will be in a clean kennel, or in the breeder’s home near the family.  The responsible breeder will breed the dogs when he/she knows that all the puppies already will have homes waiting for them.  That is why good breeders have waiting lists. Show people want to have champions as a result of a breeding.  The standard of the A.K.C. is a listing of what to expect from the most perfect dog of that breed.  The ribbons at a show go to the dog that conforms to that standard. There is not a “perfect” dog anywhere, but there are some that come very close.
        For a period of time, the Doberman Pinscher developed a reputation as a nervous, unpredictable, unhealthy animal.  The people who maintain their membership in the Doberman Pinscher Club of America, and who belong to community dog clubs, made a concerted effort to overcome this reputation.  They did it by careful screening, breeding, and developing healthy bloodlines.  There are still some problems to be overcome, but because of the concern these people have for their companions, the love they have for these wonderful animals, they are making excellent progress in reducing the incidence of genetic faults within this breed of dog.
        The following is a listing of some possible genetic faults found in some of the Doberman bloodlines.  This is not to say these will occur in every animal, only that a new owner should be aware of their existence, and to question a breeder(the seller) about the possible occurance of these problems within the puppies.

        Hip Dysplasia - The hip joint is a ball and socket connection.  If the joint is malformed the head of the femur will not properly align with the cup of the hip socket.  This misalignment can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, with proper diet and exercise the animal can lead a full and active life. In more severe cases surgical correction or euthanasia are the only alternatives.  The most common indications of hip dysplasia, in small dogs, is when the dog older.  Generally with this late-life onset surgical correction is never required. Your veterinarian can X-ray your dog's hips for evaluation.
For further information please see: Medical Index/ Hip Dysplasia.

        von Willebrand's Disease (vWD) - von Willebrand's disease is a hereditary bleeding disorder.  It impacts the dog's ability to clot blood (similar to hemophilia).  This disorder is found in both males and females.
For further information regarding this condition please see (Medical/von Willebrand's Disease).

        Bloat (GDV) - Bloat must not be ignored.  If your dog looks "bulgy", is pacing with anxiety and drooling a bit, he cannot sit or lie down comfortably and is in general distress, get moving now, get to a veterinarian.
For more information, please see: Medical Index/G.V.D. or bloat.

        Panosteitis - Occasionally referred to as "wandering lameness", this disease presents itself as spontaneous lameness, affecting dogs between the ages of 5 to 14 months.
For further information regarding this condition please see (Medical Index/Panosteitis).

       Osteochondrosis Dissecans (OCD) - Osteochondrosis Dissecans is a disorder of bone formation resulting from a defect in the transition of cartilage into bone during the growth process.  This condition appears to be genetic in nature, being far more common in some bloodlines than others.  Similar to hip dysplasia, environmental factors can be contributory.
For further information regarding this condition please see (Medical Index/Osteochondrosis Dissecans).

        Hypothyroidism - Hypothyroidism is the result of low production of hormones by the thyroid gland.  The symptoms can include skin and coat problems, sudden onset of aggressive behavior, itching lethargy, musky odor, among others.  A simple blood test will determine if your dog has this condition.
For more information please see :  Medical Index/Hypothyroidism.

        Cardiomyopathy - Cardiomyopathy is a term used to describe a condition which occurs to the heart muscle, when one or more diseases cause inflammation and scarring.  This inflammation and scarring causes an enlargement of the heart itself, and the chambers within the heart dilate and become less efficient in supplying the body and organs with blood.  The end result of a dog suffering from this condition is that the heart muscle will eventually weaken and the dog will develop congestive heart failure, and will die.
For further information please see Medical Index/Cardiomyopathy.

        Copper Toxicosis - This metabolic disorder leads to copper being accumulated in the liver.  Left untreated this condition can be fatal. Refer to medical index/copper toxicosis for more information.

        Elbow Dysplasia - Elbow Dysplasia is a developmental disorder of the bones associated with the elbow joint.  This disease is generally accepted as genetic in nature, and can occur in multiple levels of severity.
        As with Hip Dysplasia, both parents should be certified as free of Elbow Dysplasia prior to breeding.
For further information regarding this condition please see (Medical Index/Elbow Dysplasia).
 

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